A Framework for Improving Health Equity

While communitywide efforts and coalitions are key to achieving health equity, health care organizations and systems have tremendous potential to directly influence numerous underlying societal inequities that contribute to health disparities and poor health. This article presents an overview of a framework developed by IHI to help guide leaders in improving health equity by making it a system-level priority for their organizations.

This article describes lessons learned from health systems participating in the Pursuing Equity initiative that are testing changes to make health equity a strategic priority — the first pillar in the IHI Framework for Achieving Health Equity.

April 19, 2018 | Eight health systems, including one in North Carolina, are working with IHI to elevate health equity to a strategic priority, confront institutional racism, and improve the livelihood and health of their patients, employees, and surrounding communities.

This tool is intended to be used as a starting guideline for individuals in the health care delivery context as they work to identify key areas of focus on racial justice and health equity, serving as a resource to begin conversations with teams within the organization toward developing a deeper understanding of structural racism and its impact on achieving health equity.

This curated publication highlights 10 ideas that have emerged from IHI's systematic 90-day innovation approach, including reflections on the Triple Aim, the concept of a health care Campaign, the Breakthrough Series Collaborative model, and other frameworks and fresh thinking that have been replicated around the world.

August 24, 2017 | You may have data on outcomes disparities in your health system by race, ethnicity, and other factors. But in what ways is health equity a strategic priority in your organization, and what does health equity look like in your community?